Birth control should not be pronounced upon by the Catholic hierarchy, a letter writer says.

To the Catholic Sentinel:

Church policy prohibits artificial birth control. Averting such use contravenes God’s will and is sinful.

Might we use this same logic to ban other medical intervention? Is it possible surgery, penicillin or chemotherapy also obstruct God’s will?

Should our time of death be left strictly in God’s hands?

Managing fertility is central to women’s health and well- being. Contraception is not abortion.

There are compelling reasons a majority of women use artificial birth control: Health, financial and emotional stability of a family, to list a few.

The reasons are personal, intense and should be left in the hands of a woman, her husband and doctor. Contraception should not be a political issue. A celibate, male hierarchy should not dictate the terms of a woman’s health care.